A Different Light

by Mariah Stewart

  “But, Dan,” she reminded him, “you’ll still be head of the party, you’ll still be able to influence how things are done.”

  He shrugged, cavalierly waving his right hand. “There will be other appointees to Council, Athen. Whoever is elected will force a retirement here, challenge a position there, until he has his own people in place. It breaks my heart to say it aloud, but there’s not a man among them who won’t use this office for his own gain. Not one person who won’t put his own interests ahead of the city’s.”

  “Maybe you should look around a little more, Dan, maybe there’s someone else you hadn’t considered.”

  “Ah, now there’s an idea.” He smiled quickly, almost, she thought, as if the idea had been his own and perhaps not a new one. “Perhaps someone who’s outside the realm of the obvious. Yes, you may have hit upon something, Athen. You’ve given me something to think about.”

  “There are a lot of bright people in Woodside Heights. I’m sure you’ll find the right one.” She glanced at her watch and stood, preparing to leave. There would be open house at Callie’s school tonight, and she didn’t want to be late. “There’s Ted Raspanti in the finance office. Julian Taylor in the solicitor’s office. Jeff Keegan, Harold Greenly …”

  “Yes, yes.” He nodded. “But who knows where their loyalties …? Ah, well, I’ve kept you too long. I’ll see you in the morning. And thank you for listening to an old man whose days in public office are running out.”

  Poor Dan, she thought as she drove home through the late rush hour traffic. He’s so dedicated to this city. She didn’t often agree with Edie, but it did seem a shame that he’d be forced out of office because of some clause in the charter.

  She had just enough time to throw together a quick supper, though not enough time to change her clothes, before dragging Callie off to the open house that preceded the first week of school at Woods Academy.

  “I haven’t had dessert,” Callie protested.

  “They always have a dessert reception after the welcome speeches and you know it,” Athen reminded her. “Now smile and act like you’re glad to be here.”

  “I’m not glad to be here.” Callie dragged behind her mother as they entered the large gray stone administration building of the private school Callie had attended for the past three years. Her tuition had been paid in part by John’s overtime, the balance in gifts from John’s family, particularly his sister, Meg, who believed that nothing was too good for her only niece.

  “The only good thing about this place is the athletic program,” Callie continued to whine.

  “Soccer tryouts are next week,” Athen reminded her as she directed Callie into vacant seat toward the back of the auditorium.

  “Yeah, but the public school kids get an extra week of summer vacation,” Callie whispered none too discreetly. The boy seated in front of her turned, and, recognizing her, smiled shyly.

  “Oh, brother.” Callie rolled her eyes and slumped into her seat.

  “Oh, brother” indeed.

  Athen blushed when the father of that “geeky little butthead” Timmy Forbes turned slightly in his seat and flashed a million-watt smile over his shoulder.

  She tried to ignore his presence, tried to force herself to listen to every word spoken by Mr. Landers, the new headmaster, as he outlined his programs for the coming year and his hopes for an even better Woods Academy under his leadership.

  “… and I bring with me a firm commitment to the arts …”

  Where’s the boy’s mother? she wondered. She never seems to be around. Seems like a nice enough kid, Callie’s assessment of him aside. Seems to like Callie … I’ll have to ask her just what characterizes a “geeky …”

  “Mom, can we leave now?” Callie squirmed next to her.

  “No.”

  “… and to continue the level of excellence in the classrooms …” The headmaster droned on and Athen’s mind continued to wander.

  It was so nice of him to help at Ms. Evelyn’s, digging up all those plants in the hot sun. A mental image of long, strong tanned legs drifted past her mind’s eye. She was staring unconsciously at the broad shoulders directly in front of her. She could not help but notice the casual elegance of his tan linen suit, and the way his thick black hair curled over the collar in little apostrophes.

  She mentally gave herself a shake. John hadn’t even been gone a full year, and here she was, mentally taking stock of the first guy who caught her eye.

  Filled with a sense of guilt, she tuned back in to Mr. Landers, resolutely determined to avoid any further contact with this man who seemed to be everywhere.

  “… and I conclude by inviting each of you to join me for some refreshments in the reception room, where I can meet each and every one of you personally.” Grateful applause greeted the conclusion of the speech.

  “Can we eat now?” Callie stood, poised to make a break for the door.

  “I thought you were so hot to trot to leave.”

  “I was, but Mrs. Keller is here and she always brings chocolate cake.”

  Out of the corner of one eye Athen could see that Mr. Forbes was turning as if to speak to her.

  “All right.” She nudged Callie in the back and followed her daughter out into the aisle. They melted into the crowd, which slowly flowed down the hall into the reception area.

  She made a point of always being engaged in conversation, of looking beyond him when she’d turn and he appeared to be making an attempt to catch her eye. She ignored him as completely as possible, though not so completely that she failed to notice the number of mothers and female faculty members who flocked around him.

  He must be single. Widowed or divorced? she couldn’t help but wonder.

  She turned her back on the scene and pretended to be interested in last year’s artwork, which still graced the walls.

  She was congratulating herself on her successful efforts to remain faithful to John’s memory when a voice whispered in her ear, “Are you deliberately avoiding me, or are you merely too nearsighted to have noticed that I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past fifteen minutes?”

  “Oh, were you?” She acted unaware, though she had been very much aware. “I’ve just been catching up with some people I haven’t seen in a while. And it would seem that you’ve had plenty of attention to contend with.” She nodded in the direction of the gaggle he’d left stranded at the dessert table, all but biting her tongue the second the words had slipped out. Now he’d know that she’d noticed.

  “Ah, yes, the fifth-grade mothers have taken Timmy and me under their wings, since we’re the new boys in town.” His eyes twinkled as he added, “You remember my son, Timmy. I think he was once described as a ‘geeky …’”

  “Please,” she begged, cringing. “Don’t say it.”

  His laugh was infectious, and in spite of her discomfort, she laughed along with him.

  “I’m so sorry for that,” she told him. “What an awful thing for Callie to have said. I can’t imagine why she’d say that about him. He seems like such a nice boy.”

  “He beat her in the race.” He shrugged. “And she’s obviously a competitive little girl who doesn’t like to be beaten.”

  “Well, I apologize for her lack of manners,” she told him sincerely, “and for mine. I never even thanked you for giving me a hand with those plants.”

  He waved her apology aside as unnecessary. “And I apologize for not having introduced myself properly. I’m Quentin Forbes.” He offered her his hand and she took it.

  “Athen Moran.” She tried to gracefully disconnect from the handshake but he didn’t seem inclined to let go.

  “May I get you something from the dessert table?” he asked, eyes still twinkling as she gently tried to pull her hand from his.

  “No, no thank you.” She wondered if she should just ask him to let go.

  “Tim told me about Callie’s father.” He finally did drop her hand. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

  “T
hank you.” He’d caught her off guard. She hadn’t expected his condolences.

  “I’m sure it must have been a terrible time for you.”

  Athen nodded. “Sometimes it still is.”

  “Mom, can we please go now?” Having launched a successful raid on the dessert table, Callie was impatient to leave.

  “I guess it’s time I located Timmy and we headed for home, too.” Quentin smiled at Athen gently. “It was a pleasure to see you again. Perhaps we’ll bump into each other around town.”

  Athen nodded. Undoubtedly, they would.

  “And maybe you, young lady,” he whispered to Callie, “will go a little easier on Timmy.”

  “Maybe not.” Callie smiled sweetly, and he laughed good-naturedly as he strode off in search of his son.

  IT WAS THE RIGHT THING to do, keeping Callie in Woods Academy, Athen told herself as the turned out the light and shifted around in bed until she found a comfortable position. Academically, it’s one of the best private schools in the state. The new science lab is amazing, better than some college labs, I heard someone say. And their athletic program is tops. Maybe Callie will be able to get a scholarship in soccer or track for the high school program.

  I never asked him about his wife, about Timmy’s mother. The thought broke through. I wonder where she is. Not dead or he would have said something when he brought up John. He’d have said, “I know how you feel. I lost my wife, too.” But he didn’t say that. I wonder what he’s doing in Woodside Heights. What would bring him here from … wherever it is he’s come?

  Annoyed that he’d invaded her thoughts yet again, she turned over and tried to think of other things to distract herself. Callie had mentioned that she’d like to try out for the theater group at school. Meg would be coming for a visit soon; she’d called last night.

  Athen drifted off to sleep thinking of how good it would be to have a whole week with Meg. Maybe Dan would give her a few days off …

  She woke sometime later from a dream that had left her heart pounding. In the dream, she’d been speaking to John in the yard. He’d asked about the new plants in the garden. He didn’t seem angry, just confused. His face seemed to fade into Quentin Forbes’s. Quentin then faded into John, who soon faded into Quentin, and back again. The dream jolted her awake, leaving her feeling sick to her stomach. She got out of bed quietly and stepped over Hannah, following the familiar path down the hall to the unfinished guest room.

  I never loved anyone but you, John, she professed to the emptiness within the four walls. She stood in the darkness, more confused and alone than she had felt since the day he had been laid to rest. I don’t know why he’s in my head, but I never loved anyone but you. …

  7

  It was a surprisingly rejuvenated Dan Rossi who flew past Athen’s desk at eight forty-five the next morning. She’d been engrossed in the paper and hadn’t heard the elevator and had failed to detect his step.

  “Dan!” Startled to see him—not only fifteen minutes early but in so obvious a good mood and carrying his own coffee—she all but knocked over her mug.

  “Athen, come into my office.” He grinned, then added, “You can forget the paper for now. We have other things to discuss.”

  She followed him into his office, mystified, and sat facing him.

  “You’re awfully chipper this morning,” she ventured.

  “And with good reason.” His large arms rested on the desk, his beefy fingers toying with the handle of his cup. “Athen, I have found the solution to my dilemma. Took me all night, not a bit of sleep, mind you, but the problem has been resolved. And I have you to thank.”

  “Me?”

  He nodded cheerfully. “You hit the nail right on the head. Look beyond the obvious, you said. Look for someone who can be trusted to lead this city without regard for their own personal gain. Now, that right there eliminates ninety percent of the obvious choices.” He chuckled. “Look for someone who is loyal to you, Dan, someone who will carry on your agenda to ensure the taxpayers of Woodside Heights get the best representation for their money—figuratively speaking, of course. Pass the mantle on to someone whose motives are pure, someone with a legacy of commitment to this city and its future.”

  “I said that?” Athen frowned. “I don’t remember saying any of that.”

  “In so many words, you did. That was what you meant, in any case. And so I was awake all night, pondering and praying. And at precisely five forty-five this morning—I noted the time exactly—the answer came to me, clear as crystal. There is only one person in whose hands I can safely leave this city. Only one person who has the truest interests of the people at heart.” Dan was on a roll. “Do you know who that person is, Athen?”

  She shook her head, baffled, waiting for his announcement.

  “That person, Athen …” He paused to lend yet another touch of drama to the moment. “… is you.”

  “Me?” she squeaked. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Serious as a heart attack,” he assured her.

  “Dan, this is crazy. I don’t …”

  “I know what you’re going to say.” He held up a hand as if to ward off her protests. “You’re going to say you have no experience, but think, Athen. You were raised by a man who devoted his life to this city. Over the past few months, you’ve had more experience in seeing how this office is run than anyone else, being as close to the scene as you have been.”

  “Dan, I—I couldn’t.” She was horrified at the very thought. “I don’t want to.”

  “Of course you could. Haven’t I told you a hundred times what a natural you are? And of course you want to. You just don’t know it yet.”

  “Dan, this is crazy talk. People would have to be crazy to vote for me. Who would vote for me?”

  “Everyone will vote for you.” He nodded confidently.

  “I have no credentials. I have no record. Why would anyone want me for mayor?” She stood up and crossed her arms over her chest, hoping to keep her heart from falling out. She paced anxiously.

  “It’s very simple, Athen. They will vote for you because I will nominate you. I am and will remain the head of the party. You will have my full support. My total support. No one is going to oppose you.”

  “It costs a lot of money to run for office.” She tried a new tactic. “I can’t afford a campaign.”

  “Not to worry.” He leaned back and lit a cigar. “The party will cover all expenses. And since mayoral races in this city are pretty much uncontested, the expenses will be relatively low.”

  “I won’t know what to do.” Her head was swimming, a thousand jumbled thoughts crashing into each other.

  “I will be behind you every minute, Athen, I promise you. You will never go into a meeting or a negotiation for which I have not personally prepared you.” His eyes narrowed and he leaned across the desk, his gaze intent. “Believe me, I will guide your every step.”

  “I appreciate your confidence in me, I really do. But there’s no way I can do something like this.”

  “Don’t give me an answer now. I realize this is unexpected and will require a great deal of thought on your part.” He smiled gently, once again the kindly mentor. “Take the rest of the day off and think about it, about the advantages. The salary for mayor is ninety thousand dollars a year. I imagine, with Callie in private school and college just a few years down the road, the bump in salary would come in pretty handy.”

  “But the others—Harlan, Jim …” She reminded him of the others who fully expected to get the nod, and who would not be pleased with his choice.

  “You let me worry about them.” He waved dismissively. “I will explain it all to them in terms they can understand. They’ll accept my decision, I assure you.”

  “Dan, I really don’t think I want to do this. I don’t think I’d be a very good mayor. I’m not qualified, I don’t …”

  “Athen, do you trust me?” he interrupted her.

  “Certainly I trust you, but …”

&
nbsp; “Then trust me in this. I know exactly what I’m doing.” His gaze was confident as he studied her face. “It’s only two years out of your life.”

  “And then what happens?” She asked the question he seemed to be waiting for.

  He hesitated momentarily, as if debating between a choice of responses, then smiled that gentle smile.

  “Who knows what can happen in two years? Perhaps you’ll want to run for reelection. Perhaps Harlan will have matured enough at that point. Perhaps someone else would be a better choice. But that’s a decision for another day. Today’s decision is in your hands. Take the day off, Athen, give it very serious consideration. Take tomorrow if you need it. But come back before Friday morning and tell me you’ll accept.”

  “What happens on Friday?” she asked as she rose from her chair.

  “On Friday I will have to tell Council of my choice. You know that the candidate is always introduced formally at the Labor Day rally. That’s next Monday, honey. We’re running out of time.

  Monday. Less than a week away.

  “Go now.” He stood up and escorted her to the door. “Think of John, and the sacrifice he made for Woodside Heights. Think of the years of service your father gave this city, of how proud he’d be that you hold the office he himself once thought of running for.”

  The surprise must have showed on her face because he smiled and said, “You didn’t know that your father came very close to running for mayor?”

  “No, he never mentioned it. Why did he change his mind?”

  “Who knows?” He shrugged. “But think of what it would mean to him if you were to run, and win. And think of the great sacrifice John made in protecting the people of this city. I know you’ll make the right decision. And remember, I’ll be right behind you every step of the way.”

  She cleared off her desk as in a daze, gathered her purse, and started off to the elevator.